Motor insurance is mandatory by law, but you must not buy it solely for legal compliance. Instead you must choose to opt for a policy for the other benefits it has on offer like coverage against accidents, damages, and even third-party liabilities. It helps create a financial buffer for times when expected events occur damaging your car or bike.
The Motor Vehicles Act requires all vehicle owners to buy a motor insurance coverage of which third-party plans are the bare minimum requirement. Since it is the minimum coverage, there are other plans which can be opted for – a comprehensive policy. This policy offers the minimum third-party coverage along with protection for damages to your vehicle.
However, not every claim made by policyholders is accepted by the insurance company. Only those claims that are can be successfully verified are honoured. This article mentions some of those events that can lead to rejection of your motor insurance claim.
- Not updating information
Outdated information regarding the policyholder or the vehicle is one of the common reasons for rejection of an insurance claim application. Your insurance company must be on top of all the necessary changes pertaining to your vehicle or even your personal information. Thus, you need to ensure all these changes are updated with your insurance company. Not updating can be sufficient grounds to consider it as a case of misrepresentation and consequently denied compensation.
- Failing to renew the policy on time
Insurance coverage is only available when you have an active insurance policy. Thus, you must ensure your policy is active for which consistent renewal is essential. Once the policy expires, no insurance coverage is available and is a sufficient reason for rejection of your application.
- Driving without valid documents
If the driver does not possess valid and active driving license, any claims made for repairs are rejected by the insurance company. Thus, you must make sure that you possess a valid driving license at all times.
- Illegal acts
Acts that are considered unlawful will not honour your application for claim, be it a private or commercial vehicle insurance. These illegal acts may include drunk driving, driving without valid vehicle documents or eve the vehicle being used for illegitimate purposes are all categorised as illegal acts.
- Fraudulent claims
A contract of insurance is based on the principle of utmost good faith. Thus, any fraudulent claims are straight-up rejected by the insurance company. Compensation is paid only after a verification by the insurance company. Thus, any untrue claim is disallowed by the insurance company.
- Misinterpretation of insurance coverage
Insurance plans specifically state what falls under the purview of the policy terms. Hence, only those events that are mentioned in your policy terms are compensated for. In any case you misinterpret the coverage, the application for claim is rejected. For instance, you misinterpret your comprehensive policy to offer zero-depreciation cover where no add-on was opted for.
These are some situations that you must remember to avoid unnecessary rejections of your claim applications. Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms and conditions, please read sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.
